POLICY BRIEFS

April 2018

Population return trends, protection, and social dynamics in northern Ninewa, Iraq

Abstract: Given the sudden large-scale population returns from displacement since October 2017 in Northern Ninewa, UNHCR, Danish Refugee Council, and Social Inquiry conducted a study to understand the impact this change had on the social dynamics of those communities affected, in order to help shape immediate and longer-term strategies for assistance, protection, development, and reconciliation in these areas. The focus on this analysis is on the subdistricts of Zummar, Wana, Rabbia and Bashiqa.

February 2018

“Quo Vadis, Ninewa?” Key Social Cohesion Concerns in the Iraqi Governorate for 2018

Abstract: Understanding the complex social fabric of Ninewa Governorate is critical to ensuring that reconstruction in one of the most heavily ISIS affected areas in Iraq is not simply rebuilding over shaky foundations. Key issues coming into even sharper focus in 2018 in this regard include: reconstruction and restitution of housing, land, and property; inequality of aid provision; old and new returnee tensions; Ezidi-Arab relations; the emerging landscape in Tal Afar; collective blame and protection; accountability for serious crimes; and militarization of the populace.

October 2017

“We don’t want them back”: Balancing the rights of displaced, returning, and remaining populations in the aftermath of ISIS in Ninewa, Iraq

Abstract: A returns-based approach to remedying internal displacement in Iraq casts a spectre on the overall viability and practicality of a return to the pre-conflict status quo ante that contributed to the rise of conflict to begin with. Interviews from the field in northern Ninewa governorate raise critical questions related to mitigating the competing rights and protection needs of those families still displaced and those who will have to take them back in the absence of more focused policy and programming related to social cohesion, redress, and accountability.